JACKSON, Miss- 1.2 million people in the United States live with HIV and most don’t even know that they have it.
Monday was national HIV Testing Day. Testing is extremely imortant because those who have HIV can begin receiving medical care and treatments as fast as possible.
The Mississippi Department of health is reminding people to get tested, it is the first, but most importat step, to preventing the spread of HIV.
“HIV is treatable, but early diagnosis is the key,” said Dr. Thomas Dobbs, MSDH State Epidemologist. “Effective HIV treatments are available that reduce transmission and allow for a long, healthy life.”
The Center for Disease Control recommends that everyone from 13 and up get tested for HIV.
Young adults aged 20-29 represent the majority of newly diagnosed cases from 2015.
“Transmission of HIV is preventable by knowing your status, getting treatment, disclosing your status to all sexual partners, and using condoms correctly and consistently or abstaining from sex,” said Dobbs.
HIV testing is free at all Mississippi Department of Health clinics. To find a clinic near you text your zip code to (566-948)
